This book is indeed a quintessential take on a modern day Greek Tragedy. The masterful way this author weaves character flaws with ambition, hopes and dreams with cold harsh realities left me yearning to turn the pages quicker and quicker. Much like a Greek Tragedy, there was a void in the end that I had to sit with and study deep down within myself. That deeper meaning to life and this book will sit with me for a while and I'm forever grateful to have read this.

To process, I usually write long reviews but I will keep it as spoil free as I possibly can. There was so much to think over and really get into.

Emma: I personally, loved this character so much. I could relate to her on so many levels (personal and superficial), I accepted her, sympathized with her, hated her, understood her. All the things. The flaws were such a human level and so refreshing to see written on page that you couldn't help but feel a friendship and she was only telling me her end of the story. Mistakes were made, yes, but what human hasn't? And when you bring your marriage into something so seductive as a threesome, of course it's going to bite back. I do feel she kept pushing the envelope on quite a number of things just to avoid talking about her feelings, but again, relatable. Her ending was what didn't sit well with me despite knowing they were both happy with how it ended to some degree. I just wanted more of her. I wanted her to leave her mark and still have her cake and eat it too. But I recognize that feeling towards her ending is my selfish way of rebelling against the very real human experience and wouldn't have been as meaningful had that happened. I'm not here to be an Emma apologist per se, but out of all the characters in this book, I felt for her the most and she will always stay with me for many moons to come.

Julian: Again, I understand the rich privilege that this character provided as a backbone for both of them. But I loved that layer. Julian was someone I started off being indifferent about but I do think that was intentional given we start off with Emma's POV. As the book slowly dipped into each character and their lives, I came to have a fondness for Julian. In his eyes, he was only ever trying to do the right thing with the situation that they found themselves in. Whether that was for his own self preservation, or for Emma or Lena, I understood. It was frustrating at times and made me question what side he was on but at the end of the day, with what I gathered from the ending, he was always on his own side of things and that is perfectly okay. Questionable morals when it came to his wife but again, on a human level, I understood him to an extent. In a world where it feels wrong to be selfish with ones own desires, I came to the conclusion that Julian is someone who people may not like on the surface level but deep down, envy because, well, he did get nearly everything he wanted. But at what cost to him personally? That's for him to live with and answer.

Lena: Perhaps an unpopular opinion, but I really liked her in the end. Okay but honestly, about the first 2/3rds of the the time she came in, I was annoyed and felt the slight shady persona she was hiding underneath. But when it came to finding out what she truly wanted, I get her. I understood her and I could relate to that aspect that she wanted as well. I do not agree with how she went about it, but I get it. Sneaky and underhanded ways? Sure. Questionable relatives? Definitely. Lying? Well... I guess that's up to us to decide, isn't it?

Others Characters: I was surprised at how much I liked Desi and so quickly. Given how apprehensive Emma was at first but when she came along as a side character, I truly liked her. She had a complete opposite reaction to when I met Darius. Ugh. Hated him to the very end of the book. The dichotomy of these two characters within this situation that was created was truly appreciated and broke the surface levels to make these characters crack wide open. All the flaws and imperfections were on display once these characters came into the picture which added to me devouring the rest of this book as quickly as I possibly could.

The setting: My goodness was this description of Greece gorgeous! The realism transported me there immediately. I've never been to Greece but I feel like a local on page. The awe of the historic places took my breath away. And most places were described in length which was both a good and bad thing for me. I like to be immersed into the world I'm reading about but also as a nosy Nellie, I wanted to know what was going to happen next. It added to me wanting to turn the pages quickly while admiring the scenery that was provided. I also appreciated the bits of foreshadowing that was given while reading because of the location or what the characters were doing/reading. It was very subtle and still pretty great when it came to the full circle moments.

Overall thoughts: I give this book 4 Stars because I like my ends neatly tied up in a bow and if this did that, 5 stars all the way. However! This book is so very well written and a great Summer read. There was a level of forbidden spice to it that was steamy with the threesome without getting overly detailed with how this trio first started out. And those plot twists were just so deliciously well done. When the characters started to get entangled even more in this situation of their own making and the true layers started to appear with more flaws being exposed, I was hooked. This juicy tale was everything I wanted it to be and more. The setting was so realistic, maybe a tad bit slow to begin with as we get to know these characters but you soon dive in head first. It truly stood up to it's name, Ruins. Lives were changed. The poetic scenery of being around ancient ruins foreshadowed what was to come and it left it's mark on me in a fully unexpected way. When I finished the book, I did have to sit with it for a full 24 hours to formulate my thoughts. Mainly because I was just like Emma in regards to how things ended up. However, that's truly how life is. This is exactly how things work when you get down to the bare bones of it all. Sometimes, you create ruins. Sometimes for the better. Sometimes for the worse. I suppose my key takeaway from this book is: all the worlds a stage, and it's up to us how we want it to end or begin again.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House & The Dial Press for an eARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review. This book will publish on August 12, 2025.

3.5 stars, rounded up.

My, what tangled webs we weave.

Ruins takes us on a slow, creeping, but undeniably downward spiral, as Emma and Julian — comfortably bored in their relationship — invite the alluring, slightly dangerous Lena into the mix. What starts as a search for excitement quickly turns into something far messier, as they all discover that chaos always over-delivers.

From the outset, it’s clear that the author is a capable writer, but early on it felt a bit like I’d wandered into a creative writing seminar: slightly overworked, like it wanted to impress rather than just flow. But somewhere along the way, it finds its footing. And when it does, it’s strong. Uncomfortably relatable. I’ve never been in this exact kind of mess, but I could see how easily it could all slide into catastrophe.

What I really appreciated here was the willingness to let characters be flawed. Messy. Selfish. Human. Author Amy Taylor doesn’t make excuses for them, and she doesn’t wrap it up neatly with redemption arcs and pretty apologies. Julian’s predicament is the kind where someone’s going to get hurt no matter what. And he — like so many of us — makes it worse by avoiding the harder choices.

You watch him dig his grave with a weird, horrified sympathy. He’s wrong, sure, but you get how he got here. And you kind of want to shake him, to wake him to the dangers that lie ahead.

Emma and Julian go to Greece hopeful to connect again. Then they meet Lena.... and become more entangled in her life than just intimacy. This book is about power, desire, relationships, and more. I loved the Greece setting and the messy characters. This is a dark summer read perfect for besides the pool or or laying on the sand at the beach.

I wasn't sure what to expect with this one but I really enjoyed it. The characters are all pretty unlikeable but also layered. I found Julian and Emma's central argument to be a very relatable one. I also know that a lot of people find Greece overdone, but I personally love it (since I have been to Greece quite a few times). I also had no idea where this was going at any point, and enjoyed the turns the story takes. Love the rich detailed writing style too!

Thank you to The Dial Press and NetGalley for the ARC.

Thank you Netgalley for an early copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I was pretty excited to get an email with this book in it. I had not heard about it before and was pulled in by the synopsis (also saw that it will be a movie!). Ruins is fast paced, sexy, a little thrilling story that revolves around a couple who visits Greece and decides to try something new to "spice up" their lives and let's just say it backfires.... This was a pretty predictable story but still entertaining to the point where I wanted to read more constantly. I think a lot will enjoy this.

The premise of this book was intriguing, but unfortunately it fell flat for me. Instead of exploring the truly interesting dynamic of a three person relationship and all the drama that offers, the author uses Darius as a scapegoat villain. While Emma and Julian were fully developed characters with clear conflict and motivations, Lena/Darius were caricatures in an ill-conceived pregnancy plot. At every point their actions were predictable, while Emma and Julian were constantly, annoyingly surprised by them. The best character (Desi) was promptly disposed of after she asked the incredibly obvious questions we readers were wondering the whole time.

The writing was strong and there were some interesting themes. I read this on my honeymoon and it was a great pool book. I was intrigued and finished it, but left rolling my eyes a bit.

I received a copy for review. All opinions are my own. Wow, this book was so amazing and is now one I will be reading again and again over the years. A stunning plot, there were twists and turns that even though I tried to anticipate them, I couldn’t guess them and was left surprised. I could feel the emotions of Emma as they were described in such great detail. The relationship between Emma and Lena was one that many women can relate too. I found it hard to take breaks from this book because I was so eager to see how everything played out.

I received an ARC of this novel from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

A young couple makes a decision to include a third party in their relationship. It's all fun and games until it isn't.

I couldn’t put this page turner down, finished so quickly in one read. Captivating plot executed flawlessly.

wow I loved the heck outta this one! was intriguing from start to finish. okay, maybe got a little dull around the middle but packed enough of a punch in the beginning & end that I can forgive it. loved the Greek setting, loved Emma and Julian and found their dynamic and personal journeys so real, albeit a lil out of touch at times. loved the tension building, not knowing what was gonna come next, and oof, that ending. definitely recommend if you're looking for something juicy with a lil splash of thriller.

Set against the sun-drenched backdrop of Greece, this novel explores the complexities of a relationship teetering on the edge. Emma and Julian, both feeling lost in their own ways, arrive hoping for clarity, but what they find is far more complicated. When Lena—mysterious and magnetic—enters the picture, the story takes a more provocative turn, introducing themes of temptation, power, and emotional risk.

The tension builds gradually, and while some moments feel drawn out, the novel creates a palpable atmosphere. The dynamic between the three characters is messy, layered, and sometimes frustrating—but that seems to be the point. It’s a story about people trying to escape themselves, only to get pulled deeper into the issues they were avoiding.

The writing is solid, with a strong sense of place and moments of sharp emotional insight. Though not every twist lands with full force, the novel offers a thoughtful look at the fragility of relationships and the unexpected consequences of chasing something new.

It is not a perfect read, but it is interesting, especially for readers drawn to quiet, character-driven dramas with a touch of psychological intrigue.

The publisher provided ARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Emma and Julian find themselves in Greece for the summer, recovering from Emma's recent miscarriage--which left her feeling guiltily relieved and him desperate to try again. In their 30s, stymied in their careers and unsure of what the next phase of life holds for them, Emma and Julian struggle to express their desires to each other. But when Emma makes a daring admission that she'd like to watch Julian with another woman, they bring young and beautiful Lena into their relationship. What starts as an electrifying experience soon turns sour, and Emma and Julian must deal with the fallout as the novel races toward its cataclysmic conclusion.

The shifting third person perspectives in the novel work well to elucidate the conflict between what Emma and Julian want, and exposes the small lies they tell both each other and themselves.
The book is described as a modern Greek tragedy and, indeed, as Emma reads <i>Medea</i> and has a frightening confrontation at the acropolis, I could feel the twisted strings of fate tightening. Julian and Emma's worldviews and hamartia are their own eventual undoing--Julian is unwilling to accept his life for what it is (or Emma for who she is), always striving to live up to his parents' expectations. Emma, unable to realize her full potential within the confines of her relationship, is struggling both against Julian's love and to hold onto it.

The shifting nature of power--sexual, intellectual, and financial--also works to build suspense and unease in this incredibly tense novel. Despite how uncomfortable some of the scenes are, I very much enjoyed reading this.

3.75, rounded up. Thank you to Random House & The Dial Press for an eARC of this novel in exchange for an unbiased review.

Read this book in one sitting! It was incredible I could feel the simmering heat and tension building as we watch the relationships evolve and would definitely recommend.

Beautifully written and utterly unsettling — I couldn’t put Ruins down. Taylor’s prose is razor-sharp, and the dynamics between Emma, Julian, and Lena are fascinating and emotionally fraught. The twists at the end were perfect. I read an early copy, and this is absolutely one to watch for when it releases in August. Highly recommend to anyone who loves dark, intimate relationship stories.

Ruins is a captivating and evocative novel that explores the complexities of love, identity, and human connection against the fiery backdrop of Greece. Amy Taylor masterfully delves into the lives of Emma and Julian as they navigate a pivotal summer, seeking clarity and purpose in a place full of ancient history and vibrant life. The introduction of Lena, with her mysterious aura and alluring charisma, injects an exciting tension that keeps the pages turning. The story brilliantly captures the thrill and danger of stepping outside one’s comfort zone, especially when boundaries are blurred and desires come to the surface. Taylor’s writing is lush and immersive, drawing readers into the sultry atmosphere of Greece while peeling back layers of her characters’ inner struggles. The dynamics between Emma, Julian, and Lena unfold with nuance, leading to a climax that is both explosive and thought-provoking. While some moments felt slightly stretched, overall, *Ruins* delivers a compelling blend of psychological depth and seductive adventure. It’s a provocative read that leaves you pondering the fragile nature of relationships and the unforeseen consequences of our choices—even long after the last page.

This honest review is written in exchange for early access to this ARC. This book publishes in August later this year. Thank you to the publisher for the early access.

Phew, sad to say this book was just NOT for me. We got two absolutely delulu rich people out here doing unhinged stuff, trying to rub their two single brain cells together. The string of bad decisions made back to back makes this plotline almost unrealistic, though the tension builds quickly at the end of the book making it compulsively readable. Overall, not for me but slow build suspense girlies would enjoy this.

Set in beautiful Athena during the summer, our story follows protagonists Emma and Julian, who decide to take on a shared lover after Emma expresses interest in experimental intimacy. All does not go according to plan though, and Lena becomes intimately intertwined in both their Athens life and the life they plan to live after the summer back in London.

Not going to spoil the big twist here but it was fairly expected given where the story was going. Towards the middle of the book after this part though, I had no guesses as to where the plot was going though, which was a unique experience. Emma and Julian both irked me in different ways - Emma for her poor communication skills and Julian for his never ending narcissism. Every time they got in a room, you knew the discussion was going to be unproductive.

This book is slow but the detail is rich. The author does a good job explaining the thought processes of the characters, despite how bad their decisions may be. At times I skimmed after I got a good read on them. The ending has two parts, one surprising and one expected, which was a nice way to end the book honestly. Overall it was a nice summer read given the setting, but I wouldn’t pick it up again given that complicated intimacy plots like this give me major anxiety (the point, I guess!).

amy taylor’s writing style is hypnotic and kept me hooked on every little word. ruins gave me a pit of anxiety in my stomach for all 200 some pages, but i enjoyed never the less! personally, i loooooved how the book ended-end but didn’t love the end of the plot, yk what i mean? anyways 3.75/5 would totally recommend!

What you imagine happens in this scenario is pretty much what you are going to get with this book. That being said, I read this very quickly and I was invested right from the start. This book is tense and a bit salacious with a side of psychological thriller. I had a great time reading this one. I wasn't quite sure how this one would end, and I'll say it didn't end where I thought it would but I was satisfied with the outcome. This will make a great summertime beach read.

Thank you NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Random House | The Dial Press for access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Emma and Julian are at a turning point in their marriage: he’s facing a career-defining academic deadline, she’s just left her job, and they’re hoping that a summer housesitting gig in Greece will somehow sort things out. Naturally, it doesn’t go as planned.

Enter Lena, who quickly becomes entwined in their lives in ways no one saw coming.

Let me just say this: threesomes never work. Not in fiction, not in real life—unless someone’s being paid and it’s professionally lit. Otherwise? Recipe for disaster. And why is it always Greece or Italy? You never see emotionally fraught, wine-fueled triangles unfolding in, say, Norway.

The book was decent—predictable in places, but solidly written. Emma and Julian’s arguments felt real, familiar, maybe a little too familiar at times. If you’re in the mood for a vacation read with some messiness, it delivers.

What a wild ride! I love that the setting was in Greece- of course, the perfect backdrop for a twisty thriller. This would be a great beach read- I read it in a day!